Waltner, Benjamin (1867-1941)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1941 Jul 8 p. 14

Birth date: 1867 May 25

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 May 21 p. 2

text of obituary:

Benjamin Waltner

Benjamin Waltner, son of John and Mary (Krehbiel) Waltner, was born at Waldheim, Russia, May 25, 1867. At the age of about 9 years he immigrated with his parents to America and located near Yankton, S. D., on a farm where he grew up and resided until he was married.

Mr. Waltner was baptized July 20, 1884, at the age of 17, in the Salem church. Childstown township, by Elder Christ Kaufman. Later, on Aug. 27, 1905, he joined the Bethany Mennonite Church in Freeman, S. d., in which he was very active. He served as deacon almost continuously since he became a member. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for about 18 years and taught much in various classes. He had the best interests and the spiritual welfare of the church on his heart at all times. His departure will be felt very keenly in the church.

On Nov. 6, 1888, he joined in matrimony with Katherina Graber. Together they moved to Hurley where they lived on a farm for 10 years. In 1898 they moved to Freeman, where he opened a general merchandise store and 10 years ago he opened the freeman Hotel, which he operated to the present time.

On Dec. 31, 1924, a deep sorrow entered his life when his first dear wife died. They lived a happy and blessed life together for 36 years, 1 month and 25 days. On Feb. 16, 1928 he married Sister Anna Janz, of Hillsboro, Kansas, who survives him and who cared very faithfully for him and especially tried to make it as comfortable as possible for him during the time of his illness. She, being a nurse, cared for him very ably.

Nearly a year ago he began to lose in bodily weight and appetite and in the month of August,1940, after consultations with doctors it was found that he had internal tumorous cancer. From then on he continued to fail in strength, but was able to attend his business until last Easter after which he was confined to his bed for three weeks and three days. He attended church for the last time on Good Friday morning. Mr. Waltner passed away on May 6, 1941, at 7:15 o'clock in the evening in a very restful and peaceful way when the Lord called him up yonder where he so often expressed his desire to be. He attained the age of 73 years, eleven months and four days. He leaves to mourn his loss his surviving wife, 4 brothers, Jacob, John, Joseph and Andrew; 2 sisters, Mrs. Mary Preheim and Mrs. Carolina Graber; many relatives and a host of friends. Two sisters, Frances and Katherine and two brothers, Jonathan and Benjamin, preceded him in death.